When it comes to coffee brewing, your grind size is critical; it can make the difference between a perfectly balanced cup and a disappointing one. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of grind size and how to dial in your KM5 coffee grinder to achieve that perfect cup of coffee.
The grind size determines how fast the water will pass through the coffee grounds. If the grind size is too fine, the water will pass too slowly through the grounds, leading to over-extraction and an overly bitter, harsh taste. If it’s too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly, resulting in an under-extracted cup with little flavor. (Read more about the importance of grind size here). That’s why getting the proper grind size for your brewing method is crucial, and the process of getting it right is called “dialing in.”
The KM5 burr grinder has a stepless knob, which allows for infinite adjustments and more precise control over your grind size. You can adjust your settings from 1 (medium-fine) to 9 (coarse).
When brewing on a Moccamaster coffee brewer, we recommend starting with the European Coffee Brewing Centre (ECBC) approved setting of 5. However, it’s important to note that the European palate is accustomed to a slightly finer grind. If you’re based in the US, you may want to start at 5.5 or even 6.
Once you’ve ground and brewed a cup at your first setting, adjust your grinder to a slightly coarser setting and see how it affects the flavor of your brew. Remember, small changes can significantly impact the taste, so only make gradual adjustments at a time.
An excellent technique for finding your preferred grind size is to grind the same coffee beans at three different settings and then brew them to sample side-by-side. Note the flavor differences in each brew, looking for the hallmark flavors of an under-extracted or over-extracted cup. Your sweet spot will be somewhere in between; a perfectly balanced brew where you can taste the flavors of the bean as the grower and roaster intended.
Dialing in your perfect grind size is crucial to making a great cup of coffee. By starting with the recommended setting and making incremental adjustments, you can find the sweet spot that results in a perfectly balanced cup. Consider your personal taste preferences, and enjoy experimenting with your coffee grinder to find your ideal brew.
